Helton took over mid-season after former head coach Steve Sarkisian had encountered several alcohol related incidents. As a result Sarkisian was placed on leave before being fired by USC Athletic Director Pat Haden.

Helton has been at USC since 2010. He started as quarterbacks coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2013. Before this year, he had been interim coach at USC for the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl after then interim coach Ed Orgeron quit after not being offered the permanent job.